West Coast Looker (Watchman) Mask, 2000
by Terrance Issac, Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation
red cedar, cedar bark, horse hair mask
13” high x 10” wide x 6” deep
Kwakwaka'wakw Nation artist Terrance Isaac was born on March 12, 1978 in Alert Bay, British Columbia, located on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island and the adjacent mainland. He inherited the family crests of Thunderbird, Sisiutl (double headed sea serpent), and Hok-hok (a long beaked bird monster who is part of the great household in the sky ruled by the chief cannibal spirit).
At fifteen, Terrance had the opportunity to study under the master Kwakiutl carver Beau Dick, who taught art at the Alert Bay High School. Much later, in 1994, he took a carving course taught by Wayne Alfred, another renowned Kwakwaka'wakw artist. Today, Terrance’s carving style brings to life the rich culture of the potlatch ceremonies of the Pacific Northwest.
